Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

PART A

Sec. A-1. 30-A MRSA c. 201, sub-c. VI-A is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER VI-A

ENERGY CONSERVATION GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAM

§4841.__Energy conservation grant and loan program

1.__Operator of program.__The energy conservation grant and loan program, referred to in this section as the "program," is established under the Maine State Housing Authority, referred to in this section as the "authority."__The authority shall operate the program and, in consultation with the Finance Authority of Maine, develop guidelines for determining eligibility, feasibility, terms, conditions and security for the loans and grants available under this program.

2.__Grants and loans authorized.__The authority may make grants or loans to finance acquisition and installation of energy conservation improvements, identified by certified home energy audits, in the primary residences of low-income and moderate- income households.__A homeowner who receives a loan under the program and sells the home within 2 years of the conservation measures being completed shall repay the loan in full within one year of the sale of the home.

3.__Eligibility.__Homeowners and renters may participate in the program if they meet the eligibility requirements of this subsection.__A household with an income at or below 100% of the poverty level as defined in Title 22, section 5321 is eligible for a grant of up to $2,500.__A household with an income at or below 80% of the median income of the county or metropolitan statistical area in which the household is located is eligible for a low-interest loan of up to $5,000.__To be covered by a grant or loan, energy conservation improvements must be identified by a certified home energy audit as having a payback period of less than 7 years.